Footnotes

• Intended to make sports car motoring available to a wider market, the Donald Healey-designed Sprite entered production in March 1958. The car's unitary construction bodyshell featured a distinctive forward-hinging bonnet/wings topped by two 'frog eye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'frog eye' sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance.
  Successor to the original 'frog eye' Sprite, the totally restyled MkII first appeared in June 1961 and was followed one month later by the almost identical MG Midget. Both MkII Sprite and MkI Midget shared the same bodyshell and mechanical underpinnings, with only badges, trim details and price differentiating the two. Powered initially by BMC's 948cc A-Series engine, the pair gained a 1,098cc unit for 1963 while disc brakes, improved synchromesh and a larger clutch were introduced at the same time. The MkIII Sprite/MkII Midget benefited from an improved, 59bhp version of the 1,098cc motor from 1964, the power increase boosting top speed to over 90mph. At the same time, the quarter-elliptic rear springs, a feature of Donald Healey's original design, at last gave way to half-elliptics while lockable doors and wind-up windows became standard.
  The MkIII Sprite we offered was fully restored in 2007 by the previous owner and W P Counsell & Sons Ltd, of Lower Weare, Somerset, there being related bills on file totalling approximately £14,000. The car is fitted with a 1,380cc 'fast road' engine and 3.5:1 ratio 'Le Mans' rear axle, while other noteworthy features include new MWS chromed wire wheels (well shod) and factory hardtop and soft-top. Described as a well presented car with a good turn of speed, 'FRU 777D' is eminently suited to fast road use or with relatively minor modifications would be equally suitable for hill climbs and sprints. Finished in red with black leather interior, this up-rated MkIII Sprite is offered with the aforementioned restoration invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to November 2011 and Swansea V5 registration document.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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